On Tuesday, I discovered that I really am allergic to nuts--
Walking along the ghats after a lovely meal, I start to feel weak. A tingling runs across my skin. My palms and forearms and face become an interesting blotchy red and white. Pounding and heat in my ears. My breathing is compromised. I break out in hives on my wrists, elbow pits, armpits, all pits. I pop two Benadryl and John and I head for the hospital.
In the hospital, a mild and large man informs me that I should keep calm--"one, two days of medicine, you will be okay." There is a sign on the wall in bold stating that all females patients must have complete breast and pelvic exams to be admitted. John and I make eye contact in a silent "my god, what are we in for, anyway?"
To make a long story short--I got to bypass the breast and pelvic exam, was shuttled to a lovely private room (just like a hotel room!), but I never did see a doctor. We were there for over an hour. I was vomiting in the bathroom by the time anyone began to fill out any paperwork. By then, I was feeling better--so we walked out, went down the street, bought a bottle of liquid antihistamines for 85 cents, and walked home. And I did not use my epi-pen, but--I will say that I am so glad that I have it.....
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Yikes! Sweetie, be careful. In a way, I'm amazed that it hasn't happened sooner, given your experiences with Indian food in the U.S. But do take care of yourself and don't hesitate to get medical care when needed.
Well, it has happened earlier--eight days before, to be exact. And before that, maybe mid-September, but I saw the nuts before I ate them. And before that, the first week we arrived, twice, but also not serious. This is the first time I've needed to go to the hospital.....
Post a Comment